Leafs well represented at BioSteel camp this week

The summer isn't just about vacation time for NHL players, it's also about offseason training and preparing for the upcoming season. For John Tavares, his summer was a busy one, taking part in multiple charity events, as well as BioSteel camp.

The soon-to-be 33-year-old was not the only NHL star present at the event, as Cale Makar, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon and even 2023 1st overall pick Connor Bedard were also among those who attended the camp.

For Tavares, it is important for him to come into the 2023-24 season in peak shape and fully healthy, as he is getting older. He still managed to post 36 goals and 80 points in 80 games during his 32-year-old season, so he's still very much playing at the top of his game, but there are some mobility concerns there as well.

Last season, there were reports that the Leafs were considering moving Tavares to the wing full-time. Obviously, that idea didn't come to fruition. After the Leafs had acquired Ryan O'Reilly back in February, they did attempt to try Tavares out on the wing but, ultimately, Tavares still found himself at center for much of the remainder of the season and in the playoffs. He also looks poised to reprise his role as the Leafs' 2nd line center once again in 2023-24.

Tavares is a relentless worker both on and off the ice, as is evidenced by his busy summer training schedule and the fact that he has been attending informal practices in Toronto before BioSteel camp and he'll likely continue to do so right up until the start of training camp.

Turning 33 on September 20th, we know that Tavares is exiting his prime years and moving into the twilight of his career. As we've seen with other top flight players like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, it's certainly possible to remain competitive right into your mid-to-late 30's, so I'm sure that Tavares will be aiming to remain as productive as he can for as long as he can.

The Mississauga, ON native has two years remaining on his current deal with the Leafs, which carries an $11M cap hit. Tavares will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1st, 2024, along with Mitch Marner.